June 26, 2025

Remembering Former Law Society President, Donald G. Bishop, KC

The Law Society is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Donald G. Bishop, KC. Don served as a Law Society Bencher from 1982 to 1990 and as our 1989–1990 President, where he was instrumental to the founding of an insurance program for Alberta lawyers (now known as the Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association). In 2006, Don was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Service to the Profession, in recognition of the immeasurable impact he has had promoting the profession and enhancing the public's perception of lawyers.

"Don Bishop, KC, will be fondly remembered as both a fine lawyer and a fine person," says past President, Darlene Scott, KC. "He was a wonderful example of a lawyer who was able to zealously advocate for his clients, while still maintaining professionalism and civility. Don was an outstanding lawyer who always served both his clients and the legal profession. He will be greatly missed."

Our hearts are with the friends, colleagues and loved ones who are impacted by his passing. Please read Don’s obituary in the Edmonton Journal.

In 2024, the Law Societies of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society surveyed articling students and new lawyers as well as principals, mentors and recruiters. These surveys were a follow-up to the 2019 articling surveys to see if or how the articling system has changed, and what areas still need work. 

Each province received a 2024 articling survey report of their findings, which are available on the respective websites (view Alberta’s report). An analysis of the data across the jurisdictions has now been completed to produce a cross-jurisdictional report. 

The cross-jurisdictional report offers valuable insights and identifies similar themes across the jurisdictions. This will allow the provinces to seek opportunities for collaboration on next steps as we continue our work to enhance the articling experience and entry level practice. For more information on the Alberta findings from the cross-jurisdictional analysis, read our article.

Questions about the reports can be submitted to feedback@lawsociety.ab.ca.

Joint Meeting with Civil Bar

Date/Time: Monday, Sept.15, 2025 8:30 AM (MST)

WebEx Link: https://albertacourts.webex.com/albertacourts/j.phpMTID=ma1f1f86c53c6d4c28e481b7eb6c21fee

Webinar Number: 2770 007 2755

Webinar Password: CIVILBAR0915 (24845227 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Join by Phone: 1.780.851.3573 Canada Toll (Edmonton) / Access code: 277 000 72755

Expansion of the King's Bench Family and Divorce Filing Digital Service – Family Chambers

Effective June 24, 2025, lawyers and legal assistants using the Family and Divorce Filing Digital Service will be able to submit applications and supporting materials for Family Justice Chambers under the new "Family Chambers" category.

Read notice

New Civil Digital Order Capabilities for Justice Desk Applications and Originating Submissions

Effective June 25, 2025, the King’s Bench Filing Digital Service – Civil expanded digital order capabilities to accept Justice desk applications and originating submissions for both Justices and Applications Judges.

Read notice

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